Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Riverside is 66% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,812/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 29%
$88,575/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 25%
$542,100 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 55%
$1,880/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 29%
316,241
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $21,857/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Newport News slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Newport News — common questions

Is Riverside or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Newport News?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Newport News?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $21,857/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Newport News details →

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